Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: Tarantino’s Swansong
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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Quentin Tarantino’s films are distinct and generally memorable. But they have rarely commanded universal appeal. So, I’ve no doubt that his latest, and reportedly last, film, will receive a mixed reception. However, whether or not you love it you’re unlikely to regret seeing it.
As the film’s name suggests, it recounts a tale set in 1969 Hollywood. The story is told in some detail, stretching the film’s length to two hours and forty-five minutes. This may seem to be self-indulgent, and a number of scenes appear to be unnecessary. However, the longer I reflect on the film, the more I see it as rich and complex, rather than drawn out.
For his last feature film, Tarantino cast actors of the highest calibre. Leonardo Di Caprio and Brad Pitt as the lead actors deliver performances equal to their best. Australian, Margot Robbie is perfectly cast and absolutely stunning as Sharon Tate. A number of other A-list actors play the lesser roles or make cameo appearances. These include Al Pacino, Kirk Russell, Damian Lewis, and Luke Perry.
We know that this story about well-known celebrities has a dreadful ending. For this reason, I found myself dreading the scenes depicting the Charles Manson murders. Tarantino does deliver extreme violence but does so on his terms.
The 1969 setting, permits Tarantino to indulge in the excesses of the time. It is the age of cigarettes, alcohol, free love, flower power, cheesy westerns, classic petrol-guzzling cars, drugs, and avant-garde clothing. Memorably we see Roman Polanski dressed in a ruffle and velvet suit that clearly influenced Austin Powers. Sharon Tate’s skimpy hot pants and knee-high boots also serve to enhance nostalgia for this period.
Once Upon a Time…is both a suspenseful drama and a leisurely paced endearing comedy. So, don’t allow its length to put you off.
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